BIOTECHNOLOGY
At Western Crop Innovations, our biotechnology experts deliver the analysis and insights needed for the development of advanced varieties that meet precise industry standards. Using cutting-edge molecular tools, our team skillfully identifies key genetic traits carried by germplasm and breeding lines, providing essential support throughout the breeding and selection process. This strategic integration of biotechnology allows for genetic pyramiding of desirable traits, accelerating the development of varieties tailored to specific agricultural needs.
Marker-Assisted Selection and Genetic Screening
Our use of marker-assisted selection (MAS), utilizing PCR technology, allows for the precise identification of lines carrying desirable traits. This approach helps in selecting suitable parents for crossing and advancing materials with favourable trait combinations within our breeding program. We conduct routine marker screening on breeding lines for multiple traits, including disease resistance, grain protein content, dormancy, enzyme activity for malt quality, non-glycosidic nitrile for distilling relevance, loxless for malt quality, and earliness to improve yields.
Genomic Research and Facilities
Our ongoing research focuses on development of new genomic tools to enhance breeding efficiency and identifying genetic markers for key traits. One recent project involved a nested association mapping (NAM) study. The data generated is being used to identify new loci associated with traits important for feed and forage barley breeding. However, there are limitations to MAS genotyping and screening due to gene-gene interactions that influence the expression of complex traits. To address this, we’re expanding our research into genomic selection, with several proposals currently in development. Our state-of-the-art facilities at the Lacombe office include specialized labs for DNA extraction and PCR, which support our cutting-edge research endeavours.